A fly fishing veteran might be aware that opening day is April 21 for the stream-based sport, and one need not necessarily travel to the great roaring rivers of the Pacific Northwest or Canada to set their lines flying and their reels buzzing. Danbury's Still River is tucked into this effort somewhere.
According to Wilton-based author Jeff Yates, there are some excellent spots here in Fairfield County -- and here in Ridgefield on the Norwalk River and other nearby streams -- to take part in the elegant form of stream fishing.
"There are over 20 trout streams in Fairfield County and no shortage of fishing options for the angler willing to explore their backyard," Yates writes. "For many, however, finding places to go fishing and access to the water can be a challenge."
So in his recently released Fly Fishing Fairfield County: Secrets of Suburban Streams, the fishing guide and conservationist reveals some of Fairfield County's fly fishing secrets and how to reach them.
Yates, who represents a fourth generation of Wilton residents, caught his first trout on the Norwalk River in Wilton when he was three years old -- with a little help from his mother.
Now he is a "dedicated conservationist, passionate about protecting local waters[.] Yates is president of the Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited (www.mianustu.org), represents Connecticut on Trout Unlimited’s National Leadership Council (www.tu.org) and is a founding board member of the Friends of Mianus River Park (www.friendsofmianusriverpark.org)."
Check your local bookstore or visit his website for more information.
